Car Seat Struggle!

lapostol08 · June 2015

All I hear is how soothing and comforting car rides are and that babies love car rides and that they normally put them straight to sleep. I however couldn't be so lucky. Our son is now 10 weeks old and around 8 weeks is when we really noticed his hatred for his car seat. Literally from the moment he is put in it he starts hyperventalating crying. When it's just me driving I feel so helpless and frustrated because nothing I do works. We just pray and try to make the trips as quick as possible. I've tried different music in the car, window down, air on, downloaded a white noise app., pacifier, talking and singing to him, putting a mirror on the seat so he can see himself, rocking the car seat before putting him into the car and even sitting in the backseat with him while my husband drives. We have fed him, changed him, burped him and timed our rides to leave during nap times and have even tried holding off feedings thinking maybe the full belly is irritating him. Literally Nothing we do works and I'm desperate. He even hates being in the stroller with the car seat adapter even though he can see me...I just don't get it. Anyone experience this with their little one or have any advice on what else we can possibly try?? It makes taking him out to do any errands or visit friends and family dreadful!

Please Help!
Desperate Mama

justkeeptrying · June 2015

I'm sorry

That really sucks! I don't have experience with this but just wanting to make sure there's nothing in the seat making him uncomfortable. Make sure the straps aren't pinching or poking into his neck (one of my biggest pet peeves).

Most babies either love or hate their car seat. It sounds like you got the short stick on this one. I hope it gets better for you. Sorry I don't have other suggestions.

Curlygirl84 · June 2015

I have no wisdom but want to say I feel your pain. Mine hates her car seat too. The screaming is sooo sad.

Caileybug · June 2015

I could have written that post word for word!

rositalynda2014 · June 2015

I would try using it more at home to get him used to it. Maybe try putting him down for naps in it.

Jenn2128 · June 2015

Hugs girl, I feel your pain....my 4th baby HATES her car seat...makes have 3 others, 2 with school and activities really tough!!!

orangecurls · June 2015

All my kids hated their car seats at first. I would just keep going for short car rides to help baby get used to it. Hopefully in a few months baby won't hate it quite as much. (I'm not planning any road trips until fall.)

hmcconn · June 2015

Have you tried a longer drive instead of a shorter one? It wasn't fun but we had a 45 minute drive we had no choice but to make, and I sat in the back with the baby and held her hand and sang and soothed during her first 25 minutes of all out freaking out, and eventually she just resigned herself to the situation and calmed down. Since then she occassionally gets fussy with the seat but seems to be more ok with it - smiles, can fall asleep, etc. I'm so sorry - maybe when he gets to toy age things will be easier? Good luck!

Hawk&Eye · June 2015

Maybe if one is available to you, you could try another car seat? Just to see if it's the seat or the whole experience in general.

Lindsayru · June 2015

My daughter hates the car seat. Hates short car trips, hates longer car trips, hates it from the moment her butt sits in the seat before she's even strapped in. We tried a pacifier, wrapping her feet with a blanket over her straps, sunshades, holding her hand, talking to her-- nothing works. I'm hoping this will just be something she outgrows. Good luck girl!

lapostol08 · June 2015

Thank ladies for all your wonderful/supportive advice. Truly knowing I'm not the only one experiencing this makes it a tiny bit more bearable. I have checked the straps and anything in and around the seat and nothing should be making him uncomfortable. We have done some longer trips as well as most of our family lives between 45 minutes to an hour away, screams regardless of the length of trip unfortunately. I guess waiting it out and playing with him and having him nap in the car seat at home may be our only choice. Thanks again for all your comments! Best of luck to all you mommy's experiencing the same thing.

katielyn1 · June 2015

Do not put your baby in the car seat for naps! They have to be leaning back at a certain level while in the car seat base and if you bring them in while asleep you should take them out of it because they lean toward and can block off airway. Babies have died that way.

sunnyday016 · June 2015

My oldest daughter was the same- she hated her seat and most rides with her were really stressful.

I have heard people suggest moving baby to a rearfacing convertible seat. The theory is that being a bit higher up can help.

sailaplay · June 2015

I've been trying to do as many trips as possible with a support person in the car with me because baby seems to do better with someone in the back with her. She's almost 6 weeks now and I have noticed she's getting better.

lapostol08 · July 2015

Thanks for the comment! No naps in car seat...got it

mars8k · July 2015

My baby is moody sometimes she likes car rides and sleeps through them other times she screams wanting to be held, i saw pictures of car seats where the baby is almost laying flat , i'm thinking of getting 1 of those i'm although i couldn't find 1! If i find 1 ofc i'll research it i mean there has to be a reason why all car seats are in almost seating position

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